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be abandoned at such a critical stage. He explained that Kiewit has actively sought to develop its <br /> property since 2003. They were first asked to wait for completion of the General Plan process, which <br /> was delayed until 2009, and then again asked to wait for the Housing Element update that followed in <br /> 2012. Despite the Kiewit site ranking third of all properties analyzed, the city indicated at the end of that <br /> process that it would be considered for rezoning as part of the Specific Plan process rather than the <br /> Housing Element update. He stressed that Kiewit has been patient and cooperative throughout this and <br /> now asks that the city not ask them to wait again by stopping this process. The studies being conducted <br /> under the draft Environmental Impact Report are critical to determining the constraints and costs of <br /> developing the plan area and ultimately determining the viability of the infrastructure and amenities <br /> proposed within the plan. He stressed that the preferred plan being studied is not a RHNA plan, noting <br /> that it represents a balanced mix of housing, retail, and park space. He said he looks forward to <br /> continuing to work with the city on outreach to help determine what is best for all stakeholders. <br /> Councilmember Brown noted that references to other plans not yet built out really refer to full build out. <br /> She asked staff to estimate what portion of a plan is generally accomplished within the first five years. <br /> Mr. Dolan said there is significant variation unique to each setting and he has seen some completed <br /> plan areas make no move towards development for many years whereas others average ten to fifteen <br /> years. <br /> Carol Cohen said she represents the collective opinion of the Ironwood community. She said the East <br /> Pleasanton Specific Plan ignores both the voter approved housing cap and urban growth boundary. <br /> Based on recent information provided to the city by the Department of Housing and Community <br /> Development's Executive Director, the city has both met its 2014-2022 obligations and has a surplus of <br /> over 1,200 units. The Specific Plan raises many issues for the community related to safety, <br /> overcrowding of roads and schools, and the environmental impacts of expanding housing. She said the <br /> Ironwood community does not support this process and believes that all efforts to develop housing on <br /> the east side should immediately cease, with no additional funds or effort to be expended by the city, <br /> staff or consultants. She asked that the Council focus its limited resources on more immediate <br /> incentives to enhance the quality of life in Pleasanton rather than pursue work that will most likely not <br /> be applicable to the next planning cycle. She cautioned against caving to pressure from land <br /> developers in an election year and urged the Council to serve its citizens rather than special interest <br /> groups. <br /> Kay Ayala stated that the spirit of the housing cap is still alive and well Pleasanton and in fact many <br /> community members do not yet understand the impacts of its being overturned. She noted that when <br /> approved at 29,000 units, staff predicted a population of 70,000. Pleasanton now has over 71,000 <br /> residents. She said the Specific Plan process is broken and if not stopped here and now, the <br /> community will likely force it to a halt somewhere down the line. She cautioned that the 1,500 units <br /> which are approved but not yet built will largely change the face of Pleasanton and urged the Council to <br /> address current infrastructure issues before initiating any additional impacts. <br /> Councilmember Brown confirmed that Ms. Ayala has spoken with Pleasanton Gravel Company and <br /> asked if they had indicated their feelings on the project. <br /> Ms. Ayala stated that Pleasanton Gravel does not support the project and indicated it intends to file suit <br /> against the city if it moves forward. She stressed that this is not a plan the community accepts and <br /> suggested the matter be put to the voters if the Council has any doubts. <br /> David Stark, Bay East Association of Realtors, said it was wonderful to learn the city has satisfied its <br /> current RHNA obligation. He said the East Pleasanton Specific Plan offers many benefits, particularly <br /> for homeowners like himself who live on the east side of town. He acknowledged concerns over the <br /> direction the plan has taken but said there is an opportunity here to create a vision that both developers <br /> and residents can support. He said that stopping the process now is simply kicking the can down the <br /> City Council Minutes Page 9 of 12 March 4,2014 <br />